Georgia
State Outdoors

Cloudland State Park
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found in the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park's spectacular scenery. For information call: (706)657-4050

F. D. Roosevelt State Park
F.D. Roosevelt Located on Pine Mountain, this 10,000-acre park is deeply rooted in the historical era of four-time President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Seeking a place for treatment after he was stricken with polio in 1921, Roosevelt traveled to nearby Warm Springs and built his Little White House. Several structures within the park, including the mountain stone swimming pool, were built by Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression. Above Kings Gap, you'll find Dowdell's Knob, Roosevelt's favorite picnic spot overlooking a magnificent view of the valley below. Hikers will especially enjoy the scenic trails in Georgia's largest state park. For information call: (706)663-4858

Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain derives its name from an ancient 855-foot-long rock wall which stands on the highest point of the mountain. The mysterious wall is said to have been built by Indians as a fortification against other more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all to enjoy. Hikers will find some of the most beautiful trails in Georgia. Most wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, occasionally crossing streams and providing spectacular vistas. During the summer, children will enjoy the sand beach located on a clear mountain lake. For information call: (706)695-2621

Laura S. Walker State Park
This is one of the few state parks named after a woman, and its name is richly deserved. Laura Walker was a Georgia writer, teacher, civic leader and naturalist who was a great lover of trees and worked for their preservation. Located near the famous Okefenokee Swamp, the park is home to many fascinating creatures and plants, including alligators. A championship 18-hole golf course and pro shop are the most recent additions to the park. For information call: (912)287-4900

Watson Mill Bridge State Park
Known as one of the most picturesque and unique state parks in Georgia, Watson Mill Bridge contains the longest original-site covered bridge in Georgia, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork River. The bridge, more than 100 years old, is supported by a town lattice truss system held firmly together with wooden pins. At one time, Georgia had more than 200 covered bridges; today, less than 20 remain. The park is an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic or an overnight stay at the campground. Nature trails and new hiking/horse trails allow visitors to enjoy a walk through the thick forest along the river or travel into the park's backcountry. For information call: (706)783-5349

Camping and Hiking in Georgia

Vogel State Park
One of the Georgia's oldest and most popular state parks, Vogel is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Driving from the south, visitors pass through Neel Gap, a beautiful mountain pass near Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. Vogel is particularly popular during the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains transform into a rolling blanket of red, yellow and gold leaves. Cottages, campsites and primitive backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations. For information call: (706)745-2628

Tugaloo State Park
Situated on a rugged peninsula that juts into Hartwell Reservoir, Tugaloo's cottages and campsites offer spectacular views of the water in every direction. Some cottages even have boat docks for overnight guests. Fishing is excellent year-round, and large-mouth bass are plentiful. The name "Tugaloo" comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell dam. For information call: (706)356-4362

Stephen C. Foster State Park
Named after songwriter Stephen Foster ("Way Down Upon the Suwannee River"), this park is one of the primary entrances to the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off the black swamp waters, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors can look for 223 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, 54 species of reptiles and 60 species of amphibians while on the park's elevated boardwalk trail or on a guided boat trip. For information call: (912)637-5274

Skidaway Island State Park
Located near historic Savannah, this barrier island has both salt and fresh water due to estuaries and marshes that flow through the area. The park borders Skidaway Narrows, a part of the intercoastal waterway. Two nature trails wind through marshes, live oaks, cabbage-palmettos and longleaf pines, allowing visitors to watch for deer, raccoon, shore birds and fiddler crabs. Observation towers provide another chance for visitors to search for wildlife on this beautiful island. For information call: (912)598-2300

Richard B. Russell State Park
Located on a 26,500-acre lake, Richard B. Russell State Park offers some of the state's finest fishing and boating. All facilities are designed for wheelchair accessibility, including the swimming beach. The park's new campground and fully equipped cottages are located on or near the water's edge for a relaxing getaway. A nature trail follows the shoreline to one of the oldest steel pin bridges in the area, loops through the adjoining woods and returns to the beach. Connecting trails to most park facilities are planned for the future. Several Indian sites were excavated near the park in 1980 before the lake was filled, indicating that Paleo-Indians lived in the area more than 10,000 years ago. This area is now called Rucker's Bottom and lies deep within the waters of Lake Richard B. Russell. For information call: (706)213-2045

Hunting and Fishing in Georgia

Tugaloo State Park
Situated on a rugged peninsula that juts into Hartwell Reservoir, Tugaloo's cottages and campsites offer spectacular views of the water in every direction. Some cottages even have boat docks for overnight guests. Fishing is excellent year-round, and large-mouth bass are plentiful. The name "Tugaloo" comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell dam. For information call: (706)356-4362

Reed Binghan State Park
This park surrounds a 375-acre lake that has become a major boating and waterskiing attraction in south Georgia. The Coastal Plains Nature Trail leads visitors through a cypress swamp, pitcher plant bog, sandhill area and other habitats representative of southern Georgia. Watchful visitors may see waterfowl, the threatened gopher tortoise and indigo snake, and other creatures. Fishing and camping are also popular activities at Reed Bingham State Park. . For information call: (912)896-3551

Moccasin State Park
Known as the park "where spring spends the summer," Moccasin Creek is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the shores of lovely Lake Burton. Its central location makes it a perfect jumping off spot for high country exploration. Tour the adjacent trout rearing station, hike on mountain trails or simply relax in this peaceful setting. For information call: (706)947-3194

John Tanner State Park
For water lovers, this park has some of the best recreation facilities in the state park system. Within its boundaries are two lakes for swimming, boating and fishing, and the site features the largest sand beach of any Georgia state park. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, mini golf, volleyball and horseshoes. For information call: (770)830-2222

Indian Springs State Park
Located in south Butts County, Indian Springs is considered one of the oldest state parks in the United States. The Creek Indians used the springs for centuries to heal the sick and impart extra vigor to the well. During the 1800s, the area was a bustling resort town. Today, visitors can still sample the spring water while enjoying the park's cottages, camping, swimming, fishing and boating. Many structures within the park were built during the Depression by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). For information call: (770)504-2277